In 2001, the North Shore Recreation Area Master Plan was developed. This area is located in the northwestern part of the park, north of the NOAA access road and west of the NOAA campus. Due to excellent shoreline access to Lake Washington, the Magnuson Park Concept Plan (1999) designated this area for non-motorized boating.

The Master Plan provides for three new ramps and docks for hand launched, non-motorized boating access; an area for on-land boat storage; a picnic area; a water front promenade; and a lake front habitat area.

Funding for the North Shore Recreation Area comes from the Shoreline Park Improvement Fund. The City Council approved this funding (Ordinance 119959), authorizing $1.1 million.

After several years of permitting, North Shore phase one construction took place in 2005-2006. Over $1.3 million dollars was used to construct upland trails, 600 feet of shoreline restoration, 600 feet of gravel beach and three boat ramps. Funding did not allow for the inclusion of docks or boat storage area improvements during phase one.

The 2008 capital improvement program includes $480,000 funding allocated for phase two work in 2008. Parks is currently working to deliver an ADA accessible fixed dock, gangway, piling and floating docks within this limited budget